Waiting out the weekend in Mercer, PA for the Ford dealer to open today turned out to be in vain. They are short handed and couldn’t even look at it until the following week. The folks were not too worried about the O2 sensor code. If the truck’s driving okay just roll with it. So that’s what I did. But before pulling out of the dealership, I had to park it up in the back lot and slide underneath to fix the leveling jack. As I was approaching the dealer, I had to make a hard right turn and there was oncoming traffic so it was tight. I bounced over the curb with the right rear tire and bent the little pin that lets the jack system know that the jack is up. I’d bent one years before in Arizona, so I knew the drill – dismantle the sensor and remove the pin and straighten it. It was jammed and didn’t want to come out. Took some beating and choice words, but finally the twisted little pin surrendered and came out. Luckily, I’d ordered some back ups the last time and rather than try to beat it straight, I just replaced it and hit the road.

It was easy highway driving through Akron and down to Alum Creek State Park. It’s a nice set up with spacious spots and lots of trees. I picked a spot right against the lake and got myself set up. Needing a refresher after a long morning, I grabbed the paddle board and jumped in the lake, following the contours of the coves and inlets along the left bank. Water is kind of green, but I jumped in anyway. Lots of boaters and skiers getting wet so it can’t be too bad. Smells better than Lake Ontario.

Feeling calm and awakened, I sat in my rocker and got down to business. I have an appt. next Tuesday at the RV Fog Dr. in Arkansas. Talked to my friend Joe In Lexington and made arrangements to meet up and let the housekeeper in Costa Rica know PJ’s heading home this coming weekend. Kathia’s been a gem taking care of the house and dogs all this time we’ve been on the road. I’m the only person camped in this circle in the park.

Took a bike ride around the state park and stopped along the way to enjoy views of the lake and feel the August sun on my face. Thunderstorms are on the way, so get out while you can. Sat on the bank next to camp relaxing as the day came to an end.

Meanwhile….back in Rhode Island. PJ got herself away from packing and sorting stuff to get in a paddle down the narrow river to Narragansett beach. A sunset outing on the glassy estuary.